The best traffic-free bike rides around Laguna del Mort

The course of the Cavetta Canal which flows into the Piave river.

The Cortellazzo Bridge, located in the homonymous fishing village in Jesolo, is a characteristic mobile structure that crosses the artificial Cavetta canal, a vital waterway connecting the Sile and Piave rivers. This bridge plays a crucial role for both road traffic in the area and inland navigation, allowing the passage of recreational and commercial vessels. The structure opens exclusively by telephone reservation during dedicated time slots, which differ between the summer and winter seasons, thus ensuring a balance between road and river traffic. Beyond its practical function, the bridge represents a historical symbol of Cortellazzo's identity, linked to the tradition of fishermen and the historical land reclamation works of the Veneto region.

The Duomo di Santa Maria delle Grazie (also commonly called the cathedral) is the main church and the historical symbol of San Donà di Piave. It is located in the heart of the city center and belongs to the diocese of Treviso. Origins: The first religious structure was built in the second half of the 15th century. The building was later rebuilt in neoclassical style in the 19th century by the Venetian architect Gian Battista Meduna. Destruction: During World War I, being on the Piave front line, the church was completely razed to the ground by bombing. In 1917, the retreating Italian army also blew up the bell tower so as not to leave it as an observation point for the enemy. Rebirth: The current building was reconstructed between 1919 and 1923 based on a design by architect Giuseppe Torres. It was solemnly consecrated on September 19, 1925, by the Bishop of Treviso. Style: Torres decided to maintain the strong neoclassical imprint of the previous 19th-century structure, explicitly drawing inspiration from the famous Church of the Redeemer in Venice. It features a single, large central nave topped by a solemn barrel vault. Six communicating chapels open up on the sides. Behind the main altar, precious Carrara marble sculptures stand out. The bell tower: At its top stands a bronze statue of an angel with a sword. The current one replaces the original statue by Torres, which was destroyed by lightning in 1966.

Piazza Mazzini is a vast, mineral-covered flat area that serves as the barycenter for Jesolo's nightlife. More than a monumental resting place, it is a large paved basin, an urban void designed to accommodate the oceanic crowd that spills onto the coastline. Its aesthetic is defined by the rigor of marble and concrete, interrupted only sporadically by an often inactive, flush fountain, which gives way to a gray and functional expanse. The true soul of the square lies not in the urban furniture, but in the commercial frame that surrounds it: the profiles of modern skyscrapers and the luminous signs of historic bars create a metropolitan atmosphere. It is a transitional theater where the concrete heats up in the sun, becoming the essential stage for evening strolls and major summer events.

The ride itself is very relaxing on a racing bike, given the time of year. The return route is much better, with much less traffic and secondary roads along the river. Next time, I'll always ride the same way there and back. Happy TOUR, everyone! 💪

A stretch of the Sile River near Jesolo.

A beautiful view of the Sile River near the hamlet of Santa Maria di Piave.

A wonderful view towards the Venice lagoon at sunset.